Southern Winds Film Festival 2009

Derek Miller plays Hartley, a homeless man trying to get his guitar out of hock. As his health fails, Hartley relies on a troubled friend and the kindness of a lonely pawnshop employee. The film is a visceral reflection of urban homelessness, survival and friendship.

Autism. What is it and why is it on the rise? In this feature length documentary, award winning producer and director Gary Null is on a quest to reveal the true causes and promising solutions for the recent dramatic increase in autism in our children. Is Autism caused by mercury, aluminum, viruses, or other toxins contained in the 40-odd intravenous vaccines that every American child must receive? What environmental or genetic factors could be contributing to the epidemic increase in childhood autism? In this pioneering educational film, Dr. Null will be interviewing the world's leading experts on autism. A full spectrum of medical and scientific views will be presented, both orthodox and non-traditional, to get at the real reasons behind this childhood scourge. Novel effective therapies will be explored, showing that both the problem and solution of autism could be linked to weakened childhood immune systems, the inability of some children to rid their bodies of heavy metals and injected viruses, and unusual reactions to environmental toxins, foods, and proteins. Some of these natural solutions are being challenged by the pharmaceutical industry as unproven. Could it be that the drug companies stand too much to lose from a more critical scrutiny of our national policy of compulsory vaccinations for infants and children? In, Autism: Made in the USA, Gary Null, will peel away the misconceptions, and show how concerned parents and health care providers can finally take some solace in finding effective treatments for this debilitating childhood disease.

Lane hasn't spoken to Beth in several years, until she asks him to come to her hotel room after a terrible incident. Lane now has to make a choice to help out his old flame and confront a former friend, or turn his back on them both and get on with his life.

Ride Shotgun with Wayne as he bulls his way through the Bronx, picking up his trigger happy best friend, John (John Palaumbo) a racist mafia killer with a penchant for violence. See Wayne as he stalks deadbeats like 'Harry the Jew' (Dennis Paladino) or being shadowed by 'The Ghouls' (Biagio Tripodi) an invalid attached to an oxygen tank, whose dream is to become a cocaine dealer like his idol Wayne. To make matters worse, 'Little Mike' (Tim Cinnante) and Nicky (Peter Bongiorno) two neighborhood psychos are robbing and killing in the middle of the night and have plans of their own. While their boss 'Frankie Sunshine' (Ralph Squillante) brightens the neighborhood by cutting down anybody who gets in his way.Its no joyride for Wayne as he tries to keep his family together, his wife happy (Brea Cola) and find his own 'Bronx Paradise.' 'Bronx Paradise' was written by Wayne Gurman and directed by William Lappe. It is based on Wayne Gurman's life. Detailing his criminal lifestyle from 1984- 1999. He was arrested in 1999 and turned his life around.

Ben's clone is everything Ben wishes he could be: wealthy, witty, and irresistible to the ladies.

Two working stiffs decide they've had enough of Davis and his fish story.

Two desperate men, from different worlds, find themselves unwitting pawns in an ancient ritual. Greed, Lust, Pride, Anger, and Envy have consumed the lives of Thomas Caine, a seemingly wealthy businessman, and Parker, a down on his luck pro wrestler. Both are overwhelmed with insurmountable debts and struggling to break free by any means. As their lives quickly unravel, so does an age-old secret conspiracy that leads the two men down a deadly path of redemption. Robert Clohessy, Josh Burrow, and Chrishell Stause headline a cast of veteran actors who breathe life into the visually inventive and thought provoking world of the Crimson Mask - where curious characters inhabit an imaginary and timeless New York City. This modern day parable is told by award winning Writer / Director Elias Plagianos who spent over 6 years developing this crime-noir fantasy thriller as his feature film debut. Produced on an ultra low budget, 'The Crimson Mask' is an example of how independent cinema can compete with studio films by using innovative digital technology in combination with established filmmaking techniques to tell compelling new stories.

Intertwined within its sci-fi action-thriller roots, at its core DEADLAND is a story of hope set in a post-apocalyptic world. After five years of searching, survivor Sean Kalos stumbles upon proof that his missing wife may still be alive in the new United Provinces. World War III's nuclear strikes on the U.S. set the nation back 200 years, and hope is all but lost when every survivor of the war is infected by a fatal nuclear plague. What was designed to be the new rebirth has become martial law, and the Officers of the Province wield their power with cruelty. When Sean crosses them, he finds himself in the middle of a personal war, and his quest for his wife inspires hope in a land that has forgotten the meaning of the word. The Opening Night Screening of Deadland is for filmmakers and All-Access Pass holders at a private venue. For more information please contact james@southernwindsfilmfestival.com .